The much-awaited supernatural thriller “Jatadhara”, starring Sonakshi Sinha and Sudheer Babu, has finally hit theatres. Despite receiving positive reviews for its storyline and performances, the film has had a slow start at the box office, earning around Rs 20 lakh on Day 1.
The opening collection may seem modest, but industry experts believe that word of mouth and weekend footfall could help the movie gain momentum. Here’s a closer look at Jatadhara’s opening day performance, audience reactions, and what lies ahead for this intriguing thriller.
A Bold Supernatural Thriller
Jatadhara marks a fresh attempt in Indian cinema to blend mythology, mystery, and modern storytelling. The film revolves around the ancient legend of Lord Shiva’s Jata (locks), believed to contain divine power, and how a hidden force connected to it reawakens in the modern world.
Sonakshi Sinha plays a journalist investigating mysterious deaths linked to ancient rituals, while Sudheer Babu plays a spiritual warrior who protects sacred relics. The story moves between realism and mysticism, offering a balance of suspense, faith, and supernatural elements.
Positive Reviews but Slow Start
Critics and early audiences have appreciated Jatadhara for its ambitious concept, stunning visuals, and strong performances. Sonakshi’s role as an investigative journalist has been praised for its depth and seriousness, while Sudheer Babu’s intense screen presence has impressed viewers.
However, despite the critical appreciation, the opening day box office numbers remained low — just around Rs 20 lakh in India. Trade experts say the film’s niche genre and limited marketing could be the main reasons behind the slow start.
Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh noted, “Jatadhara has the content to grow, but it needs strong word-of-mouth support. The supernatural theme appeals to a limited audience initially, but positive buzz can help in the coming days.”
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Competition at the Box Office
Jatadhara faced tough competition from ongoing big releases such as Haq and 120 Bahadur, both of which have been performing decently. With multiple films releasing in the same week, screen space and audience attention have been divided.
Moreover, the absence of a major promotional campaign or extensive city tours by the cast affected the initial turnout. “If the team had pushed more pre-release buzz, the collections could have been stronger,” said a distributor from Mumbai.
Audience Reactions
Despite the low numbers, early audience reactions have been largely positive. Viewers have praised the film’s storytelling, VFX quality, and its spiritual tone. On social media, many users called it a “refreshing change” from typical Bollywood thrillers.
A Twitter (X) user wrote, “Jatadhara feels different — it’s dark, emotional, and beautifully shot. Sonakshi shines in a powerful role.” Another viewer commented, “The movie starts slow but builds great tension. Sudheer Babu’s action scenes are solid!”
On YouTube, the film’s official trailer and song videos have already crossed 10 million views, indicating decent digital interest even before release.
Performance Across Regions
Trade reports suggest that Jatadhara performed better in South Indian cities such as Hyderabad and Chennai compared to North India. Sudheer Babu’s fan base in Telugu cinema contributed to the collections in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
In contrast, the Hindi-speaking regions, especially Mumbai and Delhi, saw limited turnout due to fewer shows and lower awareness. Multiplexes recorded occupancy rates between 8–10% in the morning shows, improving slightly by the evening.
If the film maintains steady footfall through the weekend, it could see a Day 2 jump of 40–50%, which would be crucial for its success.
The Strength of Performances
Sonakshi Sinha delivers one of her most mature performances in Jatadhara. She portrays a journalist caught between faith and skepticism with natural grace. Critics have noted her emotional control and intensity as a major highlight of the film.
Sudheer Babu’s transformation as a protector of divine energy adds depth to the story. His dedication to action sequences and his portrayal of calm spiritual power have earned him appreciation.
Supporting actors, including Rajesh Sharma and Radhika Apte in cameo roles, add credibility and emotional grounding to the narrative.
Direction and Technical Excellence
Directed by Aditya Iyer, Jatadhara is a visual treat. The cinematography captures temples, rivers, and mystical settings with elegance. The film’s music and background score by Amit Trivedi enhance its mysterious and divine tone.
The screenplay balances myth and modern science, showing how belief systems evolve but remain powerful. While some viewers found the pacing slow in the first half, the second half reportedly delivers a gripping and emotional climax.
Box Office Outlook
With a budget of around Rs 25 crore, Jatadhara will need strong weekend growth and consistent weekday collections to recover costs. The film’s content gives it potential for long-term performance if word of mouth remains strong.
Trade experts predict that the film could collect Rs 1.5 to 2 crore over its opening weekend if it sustains good occupancy rates.
OTT platforms have also shown interest, and a digital release window may follow within 6–8 weeks, which could help the film reach a wider audience.
Why Jatadhara Stands Out
Unlike most commercial Bollywood thrillers, Jatadhara focuses on spiritual philosophy and psychological depth. It doesn’t rely solely on jump scares or action — instead, it explores the fine line between devotion, obsession, and power.
This makes it a unique entry in Indian cinema’s supernatural genre, comparable to international storytelling styles but deeply rooted in Indian mythology.
Final Thoughts
While Jatadhara’s Day 1 box office numbers may not be impressive, the film’s strong content, powerful performances, and positive reviews give it hope for a gradual rise.
If word of mouth continues to spread, especially among fans of mythological and mystery-driven cinema, Jatadhara could emerge as a sleeper hit.
For now, both Sonakshi Sinha and Sudheer Babu can take pride in delivering one of the most refreshing and daring films of the year — a supernatural story that dares to mix faith, fear, and philosophy.
